Have a fun-filled fall in Lenexa
Published on August 05, 2025
From fresh chili and food truck feasts to fireside s’mores and film screenings, Lenexa is serving up something special nearly every weekend this September and October. Mark your calendar, grab your cozy layers and get ready for a season of family fun, foodie adventures and outdoor vibes.
Family faves
Fire Department Open House
Sept. 13, 2025 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Fire Station No. 3
Lenexa gets fired up for this annual event. Hop in a fire truck, meet our firefighters, and learn about fire safety through hands-on fun for the whole family. Free admission. Learn more
Touch-A-Truck Night with Municipal Services
Sept. 24, 2025 | 5–7 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market
Kids (and kids at heart) can explore the big trucks and equipment that keep our city moving at this Family Night. Climb into the driver’s seat, honk a horn, and meet some of the friendly crews who maintain Lenexa’s streets, traffic signals, stormwater systems and city vehicles. Learn more
Family Campout
Sept. 26–27, 2025 | 4 p.m.–9 a.m. | Black Hoof Park
Make your first camping experience a success. For one night only, Lenexa lets families pitch a tent at Black Hoof Park. Enjoy outdoor nature activities and s’mores around the fire pit. Registration required. Learn more
Fire Safety Fun + Storytime at Family Night
Oct. 8, 2025 | 5–7 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market
In celebration of National Fire Prevention Week, the Lenexa Fire Department and the Lenexa City Center Library are teaming up to offer a fun and educational event during Family Night. Step inside a fire truck, interact with firefighters through yard games and enjoy a safety-themed storytime led by a librarian. Learn more
Check out our spooktacular Halloween events!
Hands-on and homegrown
Native Plant Sale
Sept. 6, 2025 | 8 a.m.–noon | Lenexa civic campus
Turn your yard into a native paradise. Shop region-friendly plants and get tips for low-maintenance landscaping that supports pollinators, looks great and improves water quality. Learn more
Spinach Festival
Sept. 6, 2025 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
Celebrate Lenexa’s leafy legacy as the former spinach capital of the United States. Explore old-fashioned games, shop unique vendors, see cooking demos and more at this one-of-a-kind hometown festival. Free admission. Learn more
Don’t miss the Lenexa Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through Oct. 25.
Foodie fun
Lenexa Chili Challenge
Oct. 10–11, 2025 | Old Town Lenexa
The tastiest competition in town. Sign up with friends to compete in the challenge or come Saturday for free samples of chili, salsa and hot wings from teams all over the region (while supplies last). Free admission. Learn more
Friday Night Sound Bites + Red Friday Football
Sept. 12, 2025 | 5–10 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market
Show your team spirit and wear red! Enjoy live music by Mirage, appearances by the Chiefs Rumble drumline, KC Wolf and tailgate-worthy eats from Market merchants and food trucks. Learn more
Food Truck Frenzy
Sept. 20, 2025 | 5–9 p.m. | Lenexa civic campus
Grab dinner from a fleet of fan-favorite food trucks, enjoy live music by Switch in Time, and shop local handmade goods inside City Hall. Come hungry — and leave happy. Limited seating. Bring a lawn chair. Learn more
Friday Night Sound Bites + Empanada Fest 2025
Sept. 2, 2025 | 5–10 p.m. | Lenexa Public Market
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a global favorite — the empanada! Enjoy the flavors, rhythms and energy that bring cultures together. Savor authentic empanada samples, move to live Latin beats by Selekto Show, and cheer on local talent in a high-energy freestyle soccer competition. Learn more
Music, movies and more
Outdoor Concert Series
Sept. 14 & 21, 2025 | 5–6:30 p.m. | Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
Stretch out on a blanket and soak in the sounds of local bands under the evening sky at the Grand Pavilion. Free admission. Learn more
KC Symphony Mobile Music Box Concert
Sept. 18, 2025 | 6–7 p.m. | Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
Enjoy a free outdoor chamber music concert at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, featuring talented musicians from the Kansas City Symphony performing on their unique Mobile Music Box stage. Free admission. Learn more
Manhattan Short Film Festival
Sept. 25, 2025 | 6:30–9:30- p.m. | Lenexa City Hall
Watch and vote for your favorites from 10 of the best short films from around the world. Your vote helps decide who makes it to the 2026 Oscars. Free admission. Learn more
City Center Live
Oct. 11, 2025 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lenexa City Hall
Cooler temps mean indoor shows are back. We'll kick things off with Rudy Amato performing classics from Las Vegas' golden era of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond. Learn more
Skate Jam
Sept. 20, 2025 | 4–6 p.m. | Rolling Magic Skate Park
Catch air and good vibes at this action-packed event. A live DJ, food trucks and free helmets (while supplies last) bring energy to the skate park. Free admission. Learn more
Move and give back
Swingin’ for a Scholarship Pickleball Tournament
Sept. 19 & 2025 | 8:30 a.m. | Bois D’Arc Park
Join the fun and play for a cause! All proceeds support Lenexa’s Parks & Rec Scholarship Fund. Registration required. Learn more
National Night Out
Oct. 7 | 5–7:30 p.m. | Lenexa Justice Center
Connect with your local police department at this friendly community event featuring police vehicle displays, a police K9 demonstration. Free hotdogs, fun and admission. Learn more
Fall Back to Fitness
Sept. 22–26, 2025 | Lenexa civic campus
Ready to refocus on you? Try free outdoor versions of Lenexa Rec Center fitness classes all week long — from yoga to bootcamp. Free community events. No registration required. Learn more
Don’t miss a free Fitness Checkup Sept. 23.
Work Out With Lenexa Police
First Saturday of every month | Lenexa Justice Center
Break a sweat with officers during this free community workout, led by a certified strength coach. Registration required. Learn more
Sip and discover
History Happy Hour: Japanese War Brides on the Prairie
Oct. 3, 2025 | 5–6 p.m. | Lenexa City Hall
After WWII, thousands of Japanese women married U.S. servicemen and moved to America — including Kansas. In this engaging talk, Ayako Mizumura of KU’s Center for East Asian Studies shares their stories of resilience, identity and life between cultures. Part of our History Happy Hour series with Humanities Kansas. Ages 18+. Come early for drinks or dinner at the Lenexa Public Market. Registration appreciated but not required. Learn more